A loan office wants "one PDF with all your documents." An employer wants your application, references and ID in a single file. Or you just want this year's receipts in one place.
Here's how to combine PDFs into one file, on any computer. The simplest way is PageKit, which merges PDFs right in your web browser.
Before you start
- Put all the PDFs you want to combine into one folder.
- Rename them with numbers so the order is clear, like "1 Application," "2 Pay stubs," "3 ID."
- If you have photos (like a picture of your ID), turn them into PDFs first. On most computers you can open the photo, choose Print, and pick Save as PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF.
Method 1: PageKit (works on any computer)
PageKit runs in your browser on Windows, Mac or Chromebook. Your files never leave your device.
- Go to tools.ltd/pagekit.
- Pick all your PDFs. You can select several at once by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) as you click.
- Keep Merge picked.
- Use the up and down buttons to put them in the right order.
- Press Merge PDFs, then download your new file.
- Open it and flip through to check every page is there.
Method 2: Preview on a Mac (free, built in)
- Open the first PDF in Preview.
- Click View, then Thumbnails, so you see small pages down the side.
- Drag the second PDF from your folder into the thumbnail sidebar. Drop it where you want it to go.
- Repeat for each file.
- Drag thumbnails up or down to change the order.
- Click File, then Export as PDF, and save it with a new name.
Tip: Save with a new name so you don't change your first file by accident.
Method 3: Windows
Windows doesn't come with a free tool that merges PDFs. Your options:
- Use PageKit in your browser (Method 1).
- If you have paid PDF software, look for Combine or Merge in its menu.
- If you have Microsoft Word, you can insert some PDFs into a document, but the layout often changes, so this is not a good choice for forms.
After combining: three quick checks
- Count the pages. Add up the pages in each original file. The new file should have the same total.
- Check the order. Flip through from start to end.
- Check the size. If it's too large to email, open PageKit again and use Shrink. Shrink works best on PDFs made by apps. It won't make scans or photos much smaller.
Splitting is the opposite
Need to pull pages out instead? PageKit also has Split. Choose the pages you want and download them as their own file. This is handy when someone only needs a few pages of a long document.
Common reasons people combine PDFs
- Mortgage or rental applications: pay stubs, bank statements and ID in one file.
- Tax time: all your receipts and forms for your tax helper.
- Job applications: cover letter, resume and references.
- Insurance claims: photos, bills and the claim form.
- School forms: report cards and records.
Working with tables inside those PDFs, like a price list or report you need to add up? Sheetsnap turns PDF tables into Excel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the order of the pages?
Yes. In PageKit you put the files in the order you want before you combine them. In Preview on Mac, you can drag page thumbnails up and down.
Can I combine a photo with a PDF?
Turn the photo into a PDF first. On most computers you can print the photo and choose Save as PDF. Then combine the PDFs.
The combined file is too big to email. Now what?
Use the Shrink option in PageKit on the combined file. If it is mostly scans or photos, split it into parts instead.
Do I need an account?
No. PageKit works in your browser without signing up, and your files stay on your computer.
Related guides: PDF too big to email? · Convert a PDF table to Excel · More PDF guides